People power is seeing residents clean up a litter-strewn neighbourhood.

Furious neighbours came together to tackle the area’s litter problem after families said they were disgusted by overflowing bins, roads strewn with rubbish and fly tipping.

The campaign was launched by fed up Fenham families under the leadership of the Greening Wingrove community group.

It gathered a petition of more than 650 names in just five days, calling on Newcastle City Council to help improve some of the inner city’s dirtiest streets.

Campaigners met council officers to thrash out the best way to clear up the litter.

Greening Wingrove community organiser, Tom Scott, 25, said: “There was a real buzz to the evening and the conversations were really useful.

“It was great to see such a desire to bring about change in the area by so many residents.

“We’ve spoken to hundreds of people over the last few months from all different parts of the community who are fed up with the rubbish and fly-tipping.

“People have told us it brings down the neighbourhood, that they don’t want their children playing outside anymore, that it’s unhygienic and a few have even seen rats.

“It’s got to the point that a fair few people who love the area are thinking about leaving.

“People are really pleased the council has listened.”

The community plans to target the rubbish themselves comes after city council cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, Hazel Stephenson, said: “The council does not drop litter. The council does not fly tip. People drop litter. People fly tip.

“People need to take responsibility for their area. The council cannot continue to do it all.”

Some of the plans include organised litter picking and information packs being distributed to Wingrove homes.

The litter battle is also thought to have contributed to the council employing two more enforcement officers to manage the areas bins.